Olives & Grace; a gift for you, a friend, and Boston

A few years ago, Lia and I discovered what just may be the cutest store in the world. 

One of the best parts about where Lia lived last year was that it was just a five minute walk from a stretch of Tremont Street in the South End where almost all of the businesses are small, locally owned shops. There's an awesome menswear store, there are barbers, there's an ice cream shop, and so much more. It's like its own little town center, just in a ridiculously cute neighbourhood. 

Olives and Grace is one of those stores. Owned by a Massachusetts native, Sofi Madison, it specialises in wonderful gift boxes, and artisan, handcrafted presents. It also just happens to be stunningly cute, from the space, to the light streaming in the window, and the music selection.

It's been a catalyst for the street turning into the little small business haven it is, as the company prides itself on helping other small business — all its products are made by small businesses — supporting its neighbours, and fostering the community of the area. They even helped throw a keg party recently at one of my favourite restaurants, also in the South End. I'd wanted to get to know the person behind it for ages. I finally had the chance recently.

I've got a longer piece coming to Yelp Boston about the store, but I wanted to share a video I made about the place. Hopefully they're going to use it on their site.

As you'll see, it's a space that's brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. It's a pleasure to shop there, and the fact that you leave with a gift to give is even sweeter. And Sofi is such a well-liked woman. The first time I met her in person, we began chatting about respective Mexico City trips almost instantly. She's so wonderfully personable, and her store is truly one of the jewels of Boston's business scene, small or otherwise.

I'll post the piece when it runs, but for now here's my video. The story of Olives & Grace.